I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a Friend

It is an interesting fact that many of our beautiful hymns were written in Scotland by men who were ministers in the Church of Scotland or in the United Free Church. At the time most of these hymns were written, the Church of Scotland frowned on the singing of what they termed "these human himes". For instance, the Christian World was singing this song years before it was accepted and sung in the Church of Scotland or even by the congregation where the Godly author ministered.

The Rev. J. G. Small was born in Edinburgh. He wrote many other hymns, but almost all have been forgotten except this one. This hymn undoubtedly is the personal experience of its author, and many a Christian can testify that this hymn has either been the means, through the Holy Spirit, of bringing him to Christ, or it has warmed and blessed him as he has journeyed through a cold and heartless world, to the New Jerusalem.

When an infidel or an atheist, who has been fighting God for many years, humbles himself, asks forgiveness, and accepts Christ as his Savior, this is truly a miracle of grace. A young man from Dundee, Scotland left his Godly mother and, as he hoped to do, got away from her prayers and went away to New York. But his mother never ceased praying for her erring son. She wrote to him on one occasion to tell him that Moody and Sankey were returning from Scotland to New York, and she asked him to promise to go to hear them. He went to please his mother. Sankey sang about his Friend who have himself for the sinner. The infidel, who had talked and lectured against Him whom he knew not, was pierced in his heart. He asked for an interview with Mr. Sankey, saying, "I do not know why I am here." Mr. Sankey saw the man's apparent shame and grief, and he said, "My dear friend, it is an answer to your mother's prayer. She may be praying for you at this very hour. Now do not delay any longer. Yield to Christ, and He will receive you." The man after prayer and confession took Mr. Sankey by the hand and said, "By the grace of God, I take Jesus Christ as my Savior now." Mr. Sankey told him to write his mother at once.

Some days later Mr. Sankey met the young convert again and asked, "Did you write that letter to your mother?" He replied, "I did, but not until after I had wired her. In my dispatch I just said, 'I've found Jesus', and signed my name on it. My dear old mother cabled back to me, 'Bless the Lord, O my Soul'." - More Living Hymn Stories by Wilbur Konkel

Yes, I am Yours forever. Thank You Father, Thank You Jesus, Thank You blessed Holy Spirit for demonstrating such great LOVE for even me. For making me a friend Jesus, and joint heir Father.

When disappointments come, when life seems unfair, this Friend comes alongside me time and again to bring comfort hope and cheer. Thank You Lord!

I am Yours, and You are mine, O Jesus, forever and forever.

This hymn is one that reveals the Love, Nature and Character of God to me in such a special way that words are not enough to express my feelings. The tune I sing with was taught to me by the Holy Spirit before I came across the words of the hymn. I can say that this hymn was specially written for me. Thank You Dear Holy Spirit, You are such a wonder.

It is inspirational.

Thank you.

Jesus is upper most friend.

What a beautiful hymn sounds from above, it calms me listening and singing on the melody. :D

My husband is in the ICU dying of lymphoma and last night, when I couldn't sleep, this hymn came up in my heart. I hadn't heard or sung this hymn in a long time. I sang it to my husband today when I went to visit. I know that the Lord ministered to me last night and to my husband today through the words of this song.

James Small was a minister in the Scottish Free Church who loved to write hymns. His first book was "Hymns for Youthful Voices", published in 1859. This hymn, originally called "Jesus the Friend", was published 4 years later in "The Revival Hymnbook". - Great Songs of Faith by Brown & Norton